James Forsyth James Forsyth

Has the Democratic race shifted?

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Being away from the States, I had not realised just how much Obama is now on the back foot. While Clinton and her surrogates seem, to borrow a phrase, fired up and ready to go in their TV appearances, Obama and his team appear weary and as if they wish this contest would end. Partly this is because Clinton has little to lose and so the pressure is off, but it is also a sign that the momentum is flowing in her favour.

A new poll out today suggests that Clinton has now pulled comfortably ahead of Obama among Democrats nationally. If Clinton can win big in Indiana and run Obama close in North Carolina then not only will this race go on but the doubts about Obama will be magnified.

I’m off to see Obama speak at a tech firm in the Research Triangle in North Carolina. Obama desperately needs to close strongly, something he hasn’t really done since South Carolina, as his best chance to turn the page is a commanding performance here. He certainly needs to win North Carolina by more than Clinton wins Indiana if he is to hush the doubters.

Already a subscriber? Log in

Keep reading with a free trial

Subscribe and get your first month of online and app access for free. After that it’s just £1 a week.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

Or

Unlock more articles

REGISTER

Comments

Don't miss out

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers. Subscribe to leave a comment.

Already a subscriber? Log in